With God On Our Side

Bob Dylan's 'With God On Our Side' is a poignant critique of the way nations justify war and violence through the invocation of divine support. The song, released in 1964 during a period of significant social and political upheaval, uses historical events to question the morality of war and the ease with which societies accept it when cloaked in religious righteousness.

The lyrics traverse various wars, from the American Indian Wars to the World Wars, and even the Cold War, highlighting how each conflict was justified by the belief that God was on the side of the aggressors. Dylan's narrative voice, which claims no significant identity or age, represents the everyman, someone who has been indoctrinated to accept these justifications without question. This perspective underscores the universality of the message and the widespread nature of this dangerous mindset.

Dylan's reference to historical atrocities, such as the genocide of Native Americans and the Holocaust, serves to expose the hypocrisy and moral blindness that often accompany nationalistic fervor. The line 'The Germans now too have God on their side' is particularly striking, as it points to the absurdity of shifting alliances and the fickle nature of political enmity and friendship. The song culminates in a reflection on modern warfare, with its devastating potential for global destruction, and a haunting question about the true nature of divine will, using the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot as a metaphor for the ultimate betrayal of humanity by those who claim divine endorsement.

Dylan's 'With God On Our Side' remains a powerful commentary on the dangers of conflating patriotism with divine approval. It challenges listeners to critically examine the narratives they are fed and to question the true cost of war and violence, urging a deeper reflection on the ethical implications of such beliefs.